NAF Confirms Aircraft Erroneously Fired Civilians, Begins Investigation

Ganiyat Ganiyu 

The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, says it has commenced investigation into the alleged aircraft firing of civilian settlements in Yunusari Local Government area of Yobe State.

A statement by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Edward Gabkwet, said an aircraft was deployed to the Kamadougou Yobe River line following suspicious activities of terrorists in the area.

At least nine residents of the Village were reportedly killed in the attack on Wednesday morning.

Gabkwet said the initial release denying the involvement of NAF aircraft was based on the first report available to the Air Component which was subsequently forwarded to NAF headquarters that civilians were bombed as the aircraft detailed for the mission was not carrying bombs.

READ ALSO: NAF Denies Bombing Yobe Community

The statement read, “Following intelligence on Boko Haram/ISWAP movements along the Kamadougou Yobe River line, an aircraft from the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai was detailed to respond to the suspected terrorists activities in the area along the Nigeria/Niger border at about 0600hrs on 15 September 2021. The aircraft while operating South of Kanama observed suspicious movement consistent with Boko Haram terrorists behaviour whenever a Jet aircraft is overhead.

“Accordingly, the pilot fired some probing shots. It is important to state that the area is well known for continuous Boko Haram /ISWAP activities. Unfortunately reports reaching Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters alleged that some civilians were erroneously killed while others were injured.

“Initial release denying the involvement of NAF aircraft was based on the first report available to the Air Component which was subsequently forwarded to NAF headquarters that civilians were bombed as the aircraft detailed for the mission was not carrying  bombs. Therefore a Board of Inquiry has been set up to thoroughly investigate  the circumstances of the incident.”